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Unique Nights Out In Pittsburgh

Most everyone waits on pins and needles for their weekend to begin, but many find themselves in the same predicament once it rolls around: what to do with those precious two days of freedom? It’s easy to fall into complacency and do the expected things, like Friday night dinner, Saturday night drinks with friends and Sunday brunch with the family. After awhile though, the tedium starts to set in and you may find yourself looking for creative alternatives to the weekend staples. The following list of better-than-average activities in Pittsburgh just may plop you into the lap of a pierced and tattooed minister from ‘Sliberty, or snuggling with your sweetie for a double feature movie in your convertible for a measly six bucks.

This original coffee shop has been serving the Pittsburgh area for over 15 years, and is a popular rest stop for artists and students, ministers and tattoo artists and moms and tourists alike. The space has undergone many transformations over the years, from a one-room smoking pit to a three-room artist retreat, and, most recently, back to a one-room lounge. The Beehive offers a delectable selection of ethnic foods, scrumptious desserts and delicious coffees to please even the most stubborn appetite, and regularly features artwork from local artists. The converted cigarette machine sells everything from Japanese candy to contraceptives and lighters. The back of the shop holds a wide array of video games and another converted cigarette machine called an Art-O-Mat, which vends randomized artwork. The Beehive is open until the wee hours of the morning, so if you’re looking for a rousing game of chess, a quiet evening to work on your thesis, or just a relaxed hour with friends over cheesecake and espresso, the Beehive might be your best bet.

Price: Members – free, adults – $12, seniors (62 and over) and students – $11, children 2 to 18 – $9, children under 2 – free
Click here for a calendar of events.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, an inviting steel and glass Victorian greenhouse, has been delighting visitors since its inception in 1893. Set in Schenley Park, one of Pittsburgh’s largest, Phipps Conservatory offers so much more than just a tour of greenery. If you’re in need of an evening out, make arrangements to attend one of the events, which change monthly. If you’re looking for a romantic date night, bring your sweetie by on Friday evening when the conservatory and gardens are open until 10 p.m. Stop by the Conservatory’s cafe beforehand for some fresh, sustainable snacks from the healthy menu.

One of the last remaining drive-ins in Western Pennsylvania, the Dependable Drive-In has been serving its loyal customers since 1950. In order to gear up for the theater’s historic 62nd season, the Dependable is upgrading concessions and equipment, and is also implementing digital projection at the end of the 2012 season for an optimal viewing experience. Grab your sweetie and snuggle up to a mind-boggling deal of $6.50 per person for two back-to-back feature films. The customer service is top-notch, smoking is permitted since the screens are outdoors, and customers are even invited to bring their own snacks (though it might be kind to support this dying breed of theaters by forking over some cash for concession food).

Price: Members – $2 per show, Non-members – $8 for one show and add a second laser show for $5
Click here for showtimes and updates.

If you’re a music lover, the Carnegie’s Buhl Digital Dome laser shows are sure not to be missed. Check out the brilliant colors of the beams choreographed to dance to today’s and yesterday’s most rockin’ tunes. This show is a wonderful spectacle to behold and makes for a most original evening out. Bonus: the new projection system features three state-of-the-art laser projectors that display “on-dome visuals and 3D atmospheric effects” for a true treat from above for audience members. From Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga and Pink Floyd, the Science Center offers a varied selection for every music lover’s taste. While the shows are presented on most Friday and Saturday nights, it’s best to check the events calendar before heading out. The last showing is at 10 p.m.

Recapture the fun and fantasy of your youth by taking a nighttime jaunt to one of America’s oldest and most historic amusement parks. Kennywood Park, a Pittsburgh staple since 1898, has been delighting guests for over 110 years with thrilling rides, side-splitting attractions and to-die-for food. The park is open every day at 11 a.m., but the real excitement happens when the sun sets and the dazzling lights blink on. Save yourself a few bucks and head over on an evening after 5 p.m. for out-of-the-ordinary fun that’s sure to please everyone in your entourage.

Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn’t studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she’s out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.